Student Biographies

Keith Andrews
I grew up in Hillsboro, Oregon and attended Glencoe High School. While at GHS, I was a four-year letter winner in swimming and golf, as well as team captain for my junior and senior golf seasons. Before High School, I played just about every sport imaginable; soccer, baseball, and basketball to name a few. At the end of my senior year, I had to decide whether or not to pursue swimming or golf collegiately here at Seattle University. While the decision was difficult, I chose swimming because my window for peak competition is much smaller than for golf. That said, I still hold golf very close to my heart and I certainly will continue to play for the rest of my life.

I have a reputation for being obsessed with sports. I religiously follow and watch everything from college football to European football. That is why I decided to be a Sport and Exercise science major here at SU. It allows me to pursue my passion for science and athletics simultaneously. I haven’t decided what I hope to pursue with my degree from SU, but I am excited at all the different possibilities that it will offer. Whether it is Medical School or some other graduate program, I know that I will find something perfect for me.

Chelsea Anderson
I grew up in Bellevue, WA and attended Bellevue High School. During my time at BHS I was a member of the three time state championship swim team, the drill team, and student government. I also began to take sports medicine classes and ended up volunteering in the athletic training room for over 250 hours with a large variety of sports. I attended Chapman University (Orange, CA) in 2006 where I was a member of the swim team and pursued athletic training as a major. I transferred home to Seattle University after injuring my shoulder and ending my swimming career. I am currently working in the athletic training room at SU as an assistant and recently started working part time as an aide at Olympic Physical Therapy in Bellevue. I am very excited to be a part of the very first sport & exercise science program and to continue being involved in the area of sports medicine. In the future I hope to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.

Johnathan Bardwell
I was born in London, England, but moved to Seattle, WA when I was three years old. I grew up playing soccer for club and school teams. I took many college prep courses in high school with an emphasis on science. I also took a sports medicine class my senior year that spiked my interest in exercise science. I played soccer in high school all four years, although my senior year I was forced to sit out due to a major leg reconstruction surgery. I'm now a freshman at Seattle U. I am on the men's soccer team and the Student Athlete advisory committee. In addition to Exercise Science, my academic interests range from philosophy to English and psychology. I'm am very excited and lucky to be a part of the BSES program here at SU, and I plan on using this degree to pursue a graduate degree in nutrition or exercise physiology.

Abbey Beachy
I was born in Saratoga Springs, NY but my family moved to Silverdale, WA when I was two and I’ve been in the area since. I graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 2008. In high school, I ran cross county and track but was forced to stop running because of recurring stress fractures. Visiting a physical therapist sparked my interest in the field of sports science, so I began to take sports medicine classes in high school. I chose to come to SU after hearing about the SPEX program. I also have a passion for psychology, and I plan to either double major, or minor in psychology. After graduation, I hope to earn a doctorate in physical therapy so I can help others heal and improve their performance.

Mara Becker
I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. Since a very young age I have been involved in sports including skiing, softball, basketball, cross country, volleyball, and track and field. I continued competing in varsity volleyball and track and field at Monroe Catholic High School where I graduated in 2006. I found myself needing help from doctors & physical therapists to continue to pursue my athletic goals. Physical therapy treatment allowed me to continue to participate in sports and pursue my athletic goals. At Seattle University, I participate in Track and Field with my area of interest being High Jump. I currently hold the women’s indoor & outdoor High Jump record at Seattle University, and hope to break both records this year.

I interned at a general Physical Therapy practice in Fairbanks in the summer of 2008. I gained an understanding of the field and also met people of many different backgrounds, including soldiers that had recently returned from Iraq, individuals that had undergone cancer treatment, and collegiate athletes. That experience gave me a broader insight into the healing aspects of physical therapy. This fall, I had the opportunity to intern with Dr. Ted Becker as an assistant in his biomechanical research facility in Everett. Interning with Dr. Ted Becker has really given me extra tools that I think will help me succeed in the Sports and Exercise Science Program at Seattle University.

I am very excited to be part of the first group of students graduating from this intense program and I am looking forward to uncovering my strengths and interests. After I receive my undergraduate degree my goal is to get my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I then plan to make an impact on the world around me by helping others heal while achieving their athletic pursuits.

Hali Bellisario
I was born and raised in Newberg Oregon. Ever since I was little I have always had the need to move whether that meant participating in a sport or just tapping my foot during every class I ever attended. In addition to this I have always had an extreme interest in the human body and science in general. Initially I came to Seattle university for the wrong reasons, I came for the location and a chance to experience something new, I didn't come however with any sort of plan or expectations for myself academically. Freshman year I threw javelin for Seattle University and I disliked every aspect of it which was a major stress for me, in addition to this without a plan or a focus in school I really did not apply myself. Feeling fairly spent and considering dropping out my advisor informed me of a new program that the University had just approved, Sports and Exercise Science. After looking at the classes that I was going to be able to take I was instantly sold. The SPEX program seemed to satisfy all of my interests. With a new rejuvenation I quit track and field and declared SPEX as my major the following quarter. With a new purpose and focus I have slowly began to dig myself out of the hole I created for myself freshman year. My hope is to graduate SU with a SPEX degree accompanied by a minor in biology and Spanish, after that I hope to attend physical therapy school.

Alexa Burwell
I grew up in Medford, Oregon and attended St. Mary’s school for seven years. I spent high school playing four years of varsity volleyball as well as two years of varsity golf and one year of varsity softball. I am excited to be a student in the Sport and Exercise Science major. After graduating in 2011, I hope to promote health and wellness among the general public by encouraging exercise and an understanding of nutrition. I would also like to further my own skills as a runner and work with athletes to achieve peak performance. No matter what my career path turns out to be, I know I do not want to work at a desk.

Ashley Dalton
I am currently a freshman at Seattle University, and am enrolled in the Sports and Exercise Major. All throughout middle school and high school I played soccer and ran for track and cross-country. In the summer, I still play soccer with a group of friends. During high school, I took classes at the hospital in my hometown, Bellingham, WA, and really enjoyed the classes as well as the setting. The classes included job shadows in the hospital, and we did 4 during the quarter. One of the job shadows I did was a Physical Therapist, and it really interested me, and got me into thinking about possibly pursuing that as a career. As a freshman at Seattle University, I currently run for the track and cross-country team year around, but I had to red-shirt my track season due to a tendon injury. After suffering with this injury for 2 years, I am back on track towards running and hope to be able to compete this fall.

I am very excited about being involved in this major, and to hopefully pursue a career in Physical Therapy. This team is great to be a part of, and here at Seattle University we are surrounded with hospitals, and opportunities to engage ourselves in the field, and get a great hands on experience!

Wes Gordon
I am originally from Littleton, CO where I attended Chatfield Senior High School. Over the years I had been involved in a wide variety of sports including: soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and tennis. In high school I ran cross-country for four consecutive years, running in several varsity races. To this day physical activity and competition are an important aspect of my life. Coming to Seattle University I knew I wanted to get involved in the sciences and after hearing about the unique, engaging, and comprehensive Sports and Exercise degree I instantly switched majors. I had always been interested in the motion, strength, and dynamics of the body coupled with its affects on physical and mental wellbeing. This degree program provides all of the above.

Being in the Seattle metro area the opportunities are limitless and as a freshman I already have an internship with Olympic Physical Therapy. After graduating I hope to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy, but am keeping my options open to the physiological and nutritional aspect of this multifaceted degree.

Casey Hoffman
I grew up in Federal Way, WA attending a Catholic grade school. I then attended Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, WA. During my time at Kennedy I was involved in many activities. I was a 4-year letter winner, state qualifier, and captain of the girls swim team. I was involved in student government as vice president of my senior class and actively involved in other leadership related activities.

Swimming has been a huge part of my life ever since I was 8 years old. I did synchronized swimming for seven years prior to starting competitive swimming in high school and now to swimming here at Seattle University. Being involved in sports has taught me so much about myself, as well as, time management, motivation, and competitiveness. I enjoy sports of all kinds, whether it be playing them or just watching them and wishing I had the skill to play them. I was originally a general science major and so combining this with my love of sports it seemed to be a natural fit to switch to the Sports and Excercise Science program here at Seattle University. I believe this program will help guide me on the path to to one day becoming a physical therapist where I can combine both fields that I love to help others.

Margaret Lessman
I grew up in Sacramento, California and as the youngest with two older brothers I learned at an early age that speed and athleticism were key to my survival. What started as basic survival skill soon led to my full emersion in sports, specifically tennis, soccer, and basketball. Although I always seemed to follow in their footsteps, I soon made my own path by excelling in competitive soccer and competitive basketball.

Even though exercise was originally for my survival, it is truly what has made me who I am today. At this point in my life, I have found sports to be the truest test of character. Sports will always be held close to my heart as I try to give them as much in return as they have bestowed on me. Therefore my reason for choosing the Sport and Exercise Science program was simple, it just made sense.

Lauren Mandler
I grew up In Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County, CA and moved to Spokane Washington a few years ago with my family. I have played every sport under the sun from softball to tennis, skiing and boarding to body surfing, and soccer to volleyball. My concentration through high school was softball until I blew out my arm, which stopped me from pitching and playing altogether. I have always love science and sports, but after seeing numerous specialists, doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists, that couldn’t figure out what was, and is wrong with my arm, I decided that I wanted to help athletes just like me and keep them in their game. I have taken numerous medical courses, was a student athletic trainer for my high school football team, and work in my father’s orthopedic practice helping make braces. I am a nutrition freak and hope to encorporate that into my career path. I am extremely excited to be part of Seattle University’s Sports and Exercise major and look forward to making an impact on many athletes’ lives.

Kari Masterson

I have lived in the Seattle area my whole life; I was born in Federal Way WA and I currently reside in Puyallup, WA. I have always been active, I started playing softball on rec leagues in second grade, coached by my parents. I continued playing fastpitch softball throughout high school at Cascade Christian in Puyallup. I enjoy the team experience and the physical activity so I joined the crew team here at Seattle U. I have always been passionate about physical activity; some of my favorite things include traveling, hiking, summer, and watching all kinds of sports, especially the Olympics.

I have always enjoyed the challenges and discoveries of the field of science. Right now I am planning to take a Bachelors degree in Sports and Exercise Science and working in a research or clinical lab in a hospital somewhere. I am looking forward to having a job that allows me to help other people every day. A goal I have for my life is to live to serve others, and through this program I hope to succeed in this.

Monica Nevi
I grew up in Renton, Washington, where I attended Hazen High School and graduated in 2008. There I played varsity golf, varsity track and varsity basketball all four years. I was captain in all three sports twice in golf twice in track and three times in basketball. I also participated in the ASB leadership program as a Club Co-president and Executive Board member. I chose to come to Seattle University to play for the Women’s Basketball team as well as study Sports and Exercise Science in hopes to one day become an Exercise Physiologist.

Brian Reed
I grew up in Port Townsend, WA and attended Port Townsend High School. Throughout my life I have always been active in sports and exercise, while always researching nutrition and science. I enjoy running and swimming as much as possible. I am currently studying Spanish in Argentina until I begin the Sport and Exercise Program at Seattle University this fall. I am very excited to become a part of the team and explore the topic that has interested me most in my life. I aspire to complete my Bachelors of Science and begin working in the field as soon as possible, while having a possible doctorate in physical therapy in my future as well. I think that with this degree I will be able to aid in the betterment of people's lives and to the health of our society as well. I am very excited to begin my work at Seattle University.

Cassi Sharp
I am a junior from Glendale, AZ where I attended Xavier College Preparatory for four years. Along with being on the National Honors Society and a member of the Student Athleic Trainers program, I played varsity softball for fours years. I then continued my softball career here at Seattle University until a shoulder injury restricted me from ever playing again. This injury was somewhat of a blessing in disguise because after all my treatment and physical therapy I became very interested in the topic and joined the Sports and Exercise Science program my sophomore year. I am currently an aide at Olympic Physical Therapy in Bellevue, WA and aspire to one day become a physical therapist.

Jessica Ulrich
I was born and raised in Lewiston, ID., where I played varsity softball for four years, varsity volleyball for two years and was a member of the National Honor Society. I have taken advanced classes in the Health Field such as; Sports Medicine, Medical Terminology and was a student athletic trainer my senior year. While in High School I was relatively lucky and have stayed healthy with no major sport injuries, attending every game and practice in my career. I am playing softball for Seattle University and was happy to hear that SU had a Sport and Exercise Program. I wanted to study and have a career in something I have a lot of interest in and enjoy learning about. I hope to use my degree in the pursuit of becoming a Physical Therapist.

Wesley Van Hooser
I grew up in Lake Stevens, WA. My very young years were filled with playing all different sports at all times of the year until I finally choose soccer to be my only occupation. My family was very supportive through all of my activities no matter what I choose. Through soccer, I was recruited to play at Seattle University along with several other schools. Ironically, I almost did not choose Seattle because it had no program like Exercise Science or any closely related fields. I signed my letter of intent to play at Seattle, which made my family and me happy because that meant I was staying close to home, a few months before my high school graduation in 2006, and I am currently a co-captain of the team. Exercise Science is my choice of study because I have always had a love for sports, and being physically and mentally prepared to compete at the highest level. My hope is that completing the program at SU will lead me on a path where I can help others, whether it is coaching or training, to better themselves as athletes and individuals.

Rustin Winger
I grew up in Tracyton, Washington, right across the water from Seattle. I attended Central Kitsap High School and ran track and cross country for 3 years. My interests include skiing, running, hiking, and anything else there is to do in the Northwest. I was drawn towards the Exercise Science major after taking an Anatomy and Physiology class in high school, as it was a way to blend my interests in both science and sports into a career. I am currently a freshman here at SU and am on both the track and cross country teams. My goal is to pursue a graduate degree in physical therapy or exercise physiology.